The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.

Did you know that thousands of homes in Dane County still contain remnants of legally void – but deeply harmful racial covenants written into their property deeds?

These covenants, which date back to the early and mid-20th century, explicitly barred Black, Jewish, Asian, Italian, and other non-white families from buying or living in certain neighborhoods. They were written to enforce segregation both on paper and in practice.

While these discriminatory restrictions are no longer legally enforceable, they still exist in official records. They persist in the fine print of deeds passed down through generations, quietly echoing a legacy of exclusion that shaped where people could live, build wealth, and raise families. The language may be dormant – but its impact is not.

That’s why Dane County launched Prejudice in Places, an initiative to bring this hidden history into the light and offer a path forward.

This effort began when county staff in our Planning & Development Department recognized a troubling pattern in historical property records. Working with our Office of Equity & Inclusion and a network of community partners, we set out to document these covenants, educate the public, and empower residents to take action.

Thanks to a recent change in state law – legislation I was proud to help lead during my time in the State Senate – Wisconsin homeowners can now file a legal “Discharge and Release of Discriminatory Restriction” form. This allows them to formally renounce and remove this offensive language from their deeds.

At a time when the world feels messy and the forces of division can seem overwhelming, this is a concrete step individuals can take to help right the wrongs of the past.

Recently, I hosted a Prejudice in Places community event at the Alliant Energy Center, where we gathered with residents, legal experts, historians, and public servants to acknowledge this history and provide hands-on guidance for property owners who want to take action. We offered one-on-one support for filing the discharge form, because equity work must also be accessible work.

The guiding principles of this effort are simple: Recognition. Responsibility. Remediation.

We must recognize the reality of what was written into our neighborhoods. We must take responsibility for the harm that still echoes in housing patterns, wealth disparities, and community divides. And we must take steps, individually and collectively, to remediate that harm and build a more just future.

Removing these covenants from deeds doesn’t erase history—it writes a new chapter. It honors those who were excluded and says loudly, on the record, that this community is committed to inclusion, fairness, and equity.

This is only the beginning. In the months ahead, Dane County will continue digitizing land records, expanding public education, and developing tools to support equity-focused planning. We’re also working toward a publicly accessible digital archive so residents and researchers alike can learn from the past as we shape our region’s future.

I want to thank our incredible county staff, legal partners, and community advocates for making this work possible, and the Dane County Board of Supervisors for their support. I also want to recognize the Wisconsin Realtors Association for stepping up and partnering in this effort. Their leadership in acknowledging the industry’s historical role and committing to this work demonstrates how we can come together across sectors to build a more just and inclusive future. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to confront hard truths and create lasting change.

If you’re a homeowner in Dane County, I encourage you to visit danecountyplanning.com/Prejudice-in-Places to learn more and take action. The road to equity is long—but every step matters.

Let this be one of them.

– Agard is Dane County executive and former state Senate minority leader.

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